Kemi Badenoch Advocates for Tory Renewal Over Criticism of Labour in Leadership Bid Launch

Tory leadership: Gaining trust isn't about criticizing Labour, asserts Badenoch

In her upcoming speech to kick off her leadership campaign, Kemi Badenoch will criticize the Labour Party, but she will emphasize that her party must concentrate on rejuvenation instead of merely attacking the government to secure victory in the forthcoming election.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024 12:27

Kemi Badenoch will assert that the Conservatives cannot regain the trust of the British public merely by emphasizing Labour's shortcomings.

At her campaign kickoff for the Conservative leadership on Monday, the ex-Business Secretary is set to criticize the current administration for not providing a superior alternative.

Yet, even as she enumerates various critiques such as "deceiving the British public about the condition of the UK's finances," she will acknowledge that these points alone will not secure her party a victory in the upcoming election.

"Ms. Badenoch will emphasize, 'If the Conservatives aim to regain the trust of the British public, we must do more than merely highlight Labour's failures… entertaining though it may be.'"

"We need to move beyond the recurring policy debates of the previous legislature. We were defeated. We do not hold authority."

Labour will be unsuccessful, and when that moment arrives and the British public seeks a new direction, we must be that alternative.

"We need to concentrate on rejuvenation. It's essential to rejuvenate our party, our political approaches, and our mindset."

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In July, the Conservative Party experienced its most significant loss in a general election, resulting in the Labour Party taking control for the first time in over a decade.

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There is a divide among conservatives regarding the future path of their party. Some members advocate for a move back towards the political center, while others suggest leaning further right to counter the rise of Reform UK.

Ms. Badenoch, considered a frontrunner among conservatives, is competing with five other candidates to succeed Rishi Sunak: Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, Dame Priti Patel, Tom Tugendhat, and Mel Stride.

On Monday, as Parliament reconvenes after the summer break, Mr. Cleverly is set to deliver a speech emphasizing that his party needs to "return to traditional Conservative values" and advocate for reducing the size of government.

He will declare that the Conservatives need to "unify and prepare" to address issues like "a turbulent global landscape, worldwide migration, and a growing distrust in capitalism."

"He will emphasize the importance of the state having a clear and honest understanding of its capabilities and limitations. It should concentrate on excelling in a limited number of roles rather than attempting to manage everything inadequately," he will further state.

"We acknowledge that it is a fundamental responsibility of the government to safeguard its citizens and its territorial integrity. However, it is crucial for Conservatives to be transparent about the compromises involved in executing these duties effectively."

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Learn more: Tugendhat proposes using the navy to combat illegal immigration as was done with slavery. Jenrick expresses he'd be happy to include Johnson in his shadow cabinet.

Mr. Cleverly will advocate for a society that prioritizes family support over turning to government assistance as the initial solution for issues.

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The contenders are gathering backing from their parliamentary colleagues before the initial vote on Wednesday, which will narrow down the list of candidates to four.

In recent days, leading up to the vote, significant speeches have been delivered by Mr. Tugendhat, Ms. Patel, and Mr. Jenrick.

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and international news by tuning into Sky News.

A debate is scheduled to take place at the party conference at month's end, where MPs will cast another vote to reduce the number of contenders to two.

The broader base of party members will cast their votes, and the victor will be declared on November 2.

Tune into Sky News' The Politics Hub tonight at 7pm.

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